Training to become a Speech and Language Therapist
To train as a Speech and Language Therapist you would need to complete a three or four year degree course which has been accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Some Universities offer a postgraduate qualification to candidates with an appropriate first degree. All speech and language therapists are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
It is also possible to work as a speech and language therapy (SLT) assistant or support worker. There is generally no specific training requirement for this job as learning and training is work based. Assistants work alongside a speech and language therapist, including working with clients on a one-to-one basis, assisting in group therapy sessions, clerical and administrative work or advising on culture and language differences. Jobs for Speech and Language Therapy Assistants are advertised on the NHS jobs website.
Speech and language therapists working with Adults may work with the following client groups:
- People with eating, swallowing and/or communication problems following stroke.
- Neurological impairment or degenerative conditions such as head injury, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease and dementia
- Cancer of the head, neck or throat (including laryngectomy)
- Voice problems
- Mental health problems
- Learning difficulty
- Physical disability
- Stammering
- Hearing problems
SALT working with children may see children with:
- Learning difficulty
- Physical disability
- Language delay
- Difficulties in sound production
- Hearing problems
- Cleft palate
- Stammering
- Autistic spectrum disorders
- Dyslexia
- Voice disorders
- Selective mutism
- Swallowing problems
For further information about training as a speech and Language Therapist see:
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